n South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science - Suggestions for a research framework for South Africa : how can we learn from web information seeking / searching studies? : research article

Abstract

The growing interest in web information seeking / searching studies, and their importance for web site design, search
engines, intranets, portals, etc. warrants a research agenda for web information seeking / searching studies in South Africa.
A research framework directs research projects and should include: the rationale for and purpose of a study, descriptive
information, links to related studies and traditional information retrieval, links to research paradigms and theoretical
models, research methodology and methods, rationale for analysing the data, actual statistical analysis, interpretation
and findings, and explicit reference to the practical impact of and need for further research. It should build on the
importance of research in a particular context, and acknowledge the existing body of research literature. Suggestions are
offered for practical and theoretical research projects relevant to the South African context. Although we can benefit from
isolated projects, a research agenda, as suggested, may add greater impetus to our research efforts and understanding of
the phenomenon under investigation.